Ole Miss Football: Ole Miss Welcomes Jalen Cunningham, DT

STARKVILLE, MS - NOVEMBER 23: Mississippi Rebels players celebrate by hoisting the Egg Bowl trophy after defeating the Mississippi State Bulldogs 31-28 in an NCAA football game at Davis Wade Stadium on November 23, 2017 in Starkville, Mississippi. (Photo by Butch Dill/Getty Images)
STARKVILLE, MS - NOVEMBER 23: Mississippi Rebels players celebrate by hoisting the Egg Bowl trophy after defeating the Mississippi State Bulldogs 31-28 in an NCAA football game at Davis Wade Stadium on November 23, 2017 in Starkville, Mississippi. (Photo by Butch Dill/Getty Images)

Ole Miss football recruiting was focused on defense and the defense got a whole lot better with the early signing period and the 2018 recruiting class.

As a Ole Miss football fan we want to see the resurgence of the defense. We’ve been spoiled over the years by a defense which ranked among the nation’s best. However, the past couple of years we’ve seen little resemblance of the Landshark defense we’ve grown used to.

Of course, when you look at the defensive line you immediately think of the line-backers and defensive backs. However, there is the anchor of any defense which creates disruption, It’s the defensive tackle which is the anchor.

A great defense is centered around its solid defensive line. The more solid the line the more impact the defense has. This is where the DT is so important. We saw several defensive tackles sign during the early signing period. Jalen Cunningham is one of the best around.

Jalen Cunningham

Ole Miss Rebels Football
Ole Miss Rebels Football

Ole Miss Rebels Football

It’s no exaggeration when we say Jalen Cunningham is one of the best defensive tackles around. Of course, at 6’6″ and 345 lbs the Odenville, Alabama native is truly a beast.

Not only is Jalen Cunningham a huge presence on the defensive line, he is surprising fast for a young man his size. He can shoot gaps and shed blocks easily and tracks the football well enough to make huge plays for loss.

Cunningham received offers from at least 10 schools besides Ole Miss which included Alabama, Auburn, Tennessee, South Carolina and State College among others.

For Saint Clair County High School Jalen Cunningham was a dominating force on the defensive line. Of course, for his formidable play he was selected to the Offense-Defense All-American Bowl for Team American.

How He Ranks

Cunningham is ranked as the No.40 best defensive tackle in the country and 15th best player in the State of Alabama. This was a huge get for Ole Miss and we don’t just mean by his size. Of course, his on-field play has clearly shown he is very capable of playing right away in the SEC.

Next: The Future For Ole Miss

OHT is excited about the 2018 recruiting class and especially the focus on building on the defensive side of the ball. It all begins up front and with players like Jalen Cunningham. Of course,  OHT wants to thank Jalen for choosing Ole Miss and welcome him to the Ole Miss family. Hotty Damn Toddy!